Radisson Red Launches In One Of Liverpool’s Most Iconic Properties

The designed focussed chain has unveiled its first-ever hotel in the North of England, following an extensive and sensitive restoration of a heritage building. Occupying a grand 19th-century Grade II-listed property in Liverpool, it blends local heritage and a centuries-old hospitality legacy with Radisson RED’s signature eclectic style. We take a look at everything the new 201-bedroom hotel has to offer.  

An original British railway hotel

First opened in the 1800s, the landmark building now owned by Radisson Red was formerly known as Northern Western Hall, designed by Liverpool-born architect Alfred Waterhouse (who was also responsible for London’s Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall). It’s next to — and connected with — Liverpool Lime Street train station, created to be one of the British Transport Hotels and overlooking St George’s Hall. However, from the 1930s it became obsolete, bar a period during the 1990s when it was used to house students. 

Extensive renovation 

But with features such as a detailed stained glass window and a grand sandstone staircase, it required a careful restoration, to return the building to its former glory. Stained glass experts were brought in to reconstruct the six-meter-high window above the staircase, filling the atrium with natural light and providing an impressive focal point for guests on arrival. 792 hours were spent refurbishing the grand staircase alone, with world-renowned polishers enlisted to finish the imposing 94-meter handrail. And on the exterior, the turrets and spires have been fully restored to emphasise its grandeur. 

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior Vice President, Northern & Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group, said of the new venture: “The Radisson RED brand and the city of Liverpool are the perfect match, both representing fun and vibrancy with strong links to music, art and design. The building has undergone an incredible transformation. It’s one of the first buildings that visitors to the city will see when they arrive so we’ve worked hard to create an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.” 

Read our guide to the best hotels in Liverpool

Stoke

And the venture adds a new culinary destination to this lively city, with a robata grill restaurant, entitled: Stoke. Located on the ground floor, with views across Liverpool’s cultural district, it serves ‘farm-to-fork’ cuisine. Connecting with suppliers in the region, Stoke presents classic dishes with a grilled twist, such as an 800g 38-day dry-aged and grass-fed ribeye, Dover sole with seasonal herbs, and whole roasted chicken, as well as vegetarian options including sticky barbeque maitake mushrooms and truffle arancini. The open kitchen at Stoke provides a sense of theatre, but those seeking further entertainment options will find venues such as the Empire Theatre and a concert hall on the doorstep, with the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE, and vibrant nightlife close by.

Celebrating local culture 

The city’s modern history also plays a part in the design. Guests will spot a 1960s-style scooter and sidecar and a submarine sculpture, in honour of Liverpool’s music scene and famous five, The Beatles. Contemporary flair is added by Liverpudlian Indigo Art, whose work is found in guest rooms and around the hotel, paying homage to the city’s best-known faces, landmarks, buildings, and culture, including an image of The Beatles crossing London’s Abbey Road. Hand-drawn illustrations in red have been added to black-and-white photographs; such as an image of the symbolic Liver Bird.  

Additionally, the hotel has an in-house gym featuring the latest fitness equipment. And for those planning an event, conference or celebration, there are five meeting rooms on the lower ground floor (catering for up to 50 people), as well as an intimate private dining room seating up to eight people, with views over St George’s Hall. 

General Manager Gary Waring said: “The opening of Radisson RED Liverpool and the building’s renovation have been greatly anticipated across the city for some time and we’re thrilled to finally reveal the finished look. Liverpool is an incredibly unique place and we’ve worked hard to reflect this throughout the hotel, paying tribute to local icons and giving a nod to the building’s rich heritage. Bringing an exciting food and drink venue to the city was also a key priority. We are looking forward to welcoming guests and creating a real must-visit destination.”